Before the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka, Gautam Gambhir gave an incredible response to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s horrific sixes in the nets

Before the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka, Gautam Gambhir gave an incredible response to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s horrific sixes in the nets

India’s cricketing journey towards the 2025 Champions Trophy begins with a crucial three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, starting August 2, 2024, in Colombo. This series marks a significant phase in the Indian team’s preparation for the prestigious tournament, as it stands as their sole ODI series for the entire year. The series will be pivotal for the team’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, who has already made a notable impact with a recent 3-0 T20I series sweep against Sri Lanka.

Gambhir’s Focus Shifts to ODI Preparation

Gautam Gambhir, who assumed the role of head coach for the Indian men’s cricket team earlier this year, has demonstrated a successful start with the T20I clean sweep. However, his attention now shifts to the 50-over format as India gears up for the 2025 Champions Trophy. The upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka is not just a standalone contest but a crucial segment of the team’s strategic preparation for the global tournament next year.

The series will be held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, a venue known for its flat pitches and favorable conditions for batsmen. The Indian team, under Gambhir’s guidance, will be aiming to build a strong ODI lineup and enhance their game strategies in this format, which will be vital for their performance in the Champions Trophy.

Key Players Return for the Series

Ahead of the opening ODI, the Indian squad engaged in an intensive net session at Colombo’s practice facilities. The presence of senior players, including captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli, added significant weight to the team’s preparation. Both Sharma and Kohli are making their return to the ODI format after a long hiatus. Their last appearance in ODI cricket was marked by a heart-wrenching defeat to Australia in the 2023 World Cup final.

The significance of their return cannot be overstated. Sharma and Kohli are not just seasoned campaigners but also pivotal players whose experience and form will be crucial for India’s ODI ambitions. Both were seen honing their skills at the nets, with Kohli showcasing his trademark elegance and Sharma demonstrating his power-hitting prowess.

BCCI’s recent video release from the net session captured Kohli and Sharma hitting impressive sixes—Kohli against Kuldeep Yadav towards long-on and Sharma smashing one straight down the ground. Gambhir’s reactions to these powerful shots were noteworthy, highlighting his keen interest in seeing his top players in form as the ODI series approaches.

Gambhir’s Convincing Argument for Kohli and Sharma’s Participation

Interestingly, prior to the series, there had been reports suggesting that both Kohli and Sharma had requested an extended break from cricket, citing the demanding nature of the IPL 2024 season and a grueling three-month period. They were initially slated to miss the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka to recharge before the upcoming challenges.

However, a PTI report revealed that Gambhir played a crucial role in persuading both veterans to participate in the ODI series. Given that this series represents India’s only ODI fixtures in 2024, Gambhir’s request was strategic. His goal was to ensure that India’s best players were available to refine their strategies and build a solid ODI squad.

The decision to include Kohli and Sharma was seen as a pragmatic approach by Gambhir. With the next ODI series not scheduled until February 2025, just a week before the Champions Trophy, it was imperative for Gambhir to have a clear understanding of his best playing eleven and options in the format. Their involvement in the Sri Lanka series will provide valuable insights and allow the team to experiment with combinations and strategies.

Absence of Jasprit Bumrah: A Key Consideration

In a notable development, Jasprit Bumrah, one of the key bowlers and a certain inclusion for the Champions Trophy squad, will miss the series against Sri Lanka. Bumrah has been given a rest, considering the demanding cricket calendar ahead. India is set to play a total of 10 Test matches this year, including five at home against Bangladesh and New Zealand, and five in Australia.

The decision to rest Bumrah highlights the team management’s focus on balancing player workload and ensuring peak performance during crucial tournaments. Bumrah’s absence will be an opportunity for other bowlers to step up and showcase their abilities in the absence of the pace spearhead.

Looking Ahead

As the Indian team prepares to face Sri Lanka in the ODI series, the focus will be on integrating new strategies, experimenting with player combinations, and building a cohesive squad. The series will provide Gambhir with a platform to assess his players’ performance in the 50-over format and fine-tune strategies for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

The ODI series against Sri Lanka will be more than just a set of matches; it represents a critical phase in India’s cricketing journey towards the Champions Trophy. With a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, the series will be a test of India’s readiness and adaptability as they aim to shine on the global stage next year.